Lionel Messi is now the youngest and oldest Argentina national team player to score at a World Cup.
Messi had three goals for Argentina in their 3-0 win against Algeria to make him Argentina’s oldest player to ever score a World Cup goal. He is also the youngest player to ever score a goal at a World Cup with the Argentina national team.
On June 16, 2006, Lionel Messi played in his first World Cup match with the Argentina national team against Serbia and Montenegro. In his first World Cup match, he scored his first World Cup goal to become the youngest Argentine to score at a World Cup at 18 years of age.
Twenty years later, on June 16, 2026, Lionel Messi scored his first ever hat trick at a World Cup in the win against Algeria. At 38 years of age, he is the oldest Argentina national team player to score at the tournament.
It was an out and out Messi show. Nico Paz replacing him did not see the ball much. However, other than Almada, every one did their part. McAllister grew into the game. Enzo was consistent. Montiel improved. The defence looked solid in the second half compared to the first half. Lautaro needs to be pressing hard, if he wants to be in the starting XI. The foundation has been built. Now other forwards need to take this forward and don’t just rely on Messi to bail them out.
Apart from Almada , all of our players did a great job . Montiel was kinda shaky but still he did well. Lautaro needs to press a bit more. However Julian is recovering soon.
I think almada should not start again . Maybe used as a late sub
Messi schooled Zidane’s kid. Thankfully a good strong start unlike last 2 WCs. Must say Messi was lucky to escape a card on that initial foul on Algerian captain. Fullbacks, Lautaro, Almada needs improvement as competition heats up
Wish he had midfielders like this in 2010-14-18 then he could have scored 50worldcup goalss